COM ARTS 100: Introduction to Speech Composition (Spring 2025) : Evaluating Sources

It's vital that you evaluate a source before you use it in your informative speech!

One of THE BEST evaluation strategies is to find additional sources. Do they agree or disagree with the information you found?

Additionally, consider the following:

RELEVANCE: What is it about?

• Examine title, abstract, introduction, and subject headings for connections to your research.

AUTHORITY: Who created it?

• Research the reputation of the website, magazine, journal, or publisher.
• Locate and verify author credentials and affiliations.
• Identify parent organizations and funding sources.

ACCURACY: Is it credible?

• Investigate whether conclusions are well-reasoned and supported with evidence.
• Verify information with another reputable source.

PURPOSE: Why was it written?

• Identify the intention of the source (to inform, persuade, etc.) to help detect potential bias.
• Identify intended audience (scholars, public, professionals).
• Inspect for author bias (e.g., omitting important information).

TIMELINESS: When was it created?

• Identify both when the research was conducted and the date of publication.
• Decide whether dates affect usefulness for your research.

Can you determine whether or not the article 'What is the Minimum Wage?' is reliable? 

Pro-tip: Look at the 'About' page and then Google search the institution/publication that is publishing the information.

As you find articles for your informative speech, evaluate them for reliability before you use them in your speech.

Ask yourself:

1. What do you know about the author, and how do you know they have expertise/are knowledgeable in this subject area?
2. Besides author expertise, how do you know the information in your article is reliable?

Below are additional resources that may be helpful as you evaluate your sources.